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Anger of Achilles

The controversial prose-and-verse translation of the ancient war epic by the acclaimed author of I, Claudius—“full of new and provocative ideas” (Kirkus Reviews).

The war between the Greeks and the Trojans has reached a fever pitch. Offended by Agamemnon, the great Greek warrior Achilles is in his tent, refusing to fight. But then Trojan prince Hector slaughters Achilles’s intimate friend Patroclus. Willing or not, Achilles must take revenge for his friend’s death, even if it will result in his own.

The Anger of Achilles is a novelized interpretation of Homer’s Iliad, told by noted poet, classicist, and historical novelist Robert Graves. In this innovative take on the classic tale, Achilles comes to life in all his vivid rage, bravery, passion, and lust for battle. Combining his expertise in ancient Greek warfare and culture with a famed talent for compelling storytelling, Graves is the ideal translator to bring this ancient epic of war to a modern audience.

This edition includes a compelling introduction by the author, who argues that Homer’s Iliad is best understood as a satire, closer in spirit to the works of Cervantes than those of Milton.

“The translation is lucid and concise, the work of a scholar of some originality.” —Kirkus Reviews

Robert Graves

Robert Graves (1895–1985) was a British poet, novelist, and critic. He is best known for the historical novel I, Claudius and his critical study of myth and poetry in The White Goddess. His autobiography, Goodbye to All That, was originally published in 1929, quickly establishing itself as a modern classic. Graves also translated Apuleius, Lucan, and Suetonius, and compiled the first modern dictionary of Greek Mythology, The Greek Myths.

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